Contributing Writer

A Belmont philosophy professor visited campus on Monday to challenge students to consider an alternative idea of happiness.

"I think it's one of our most fundamental questions in our lives,” said Ronnie Littlejohn, this week’s Honors Lecture Series speaker. “I think college students are thinking a lot about happiness… Do you choose a major because it's going to make you money? Is the money supposed to make you happy?"

The focus of Littlejohn’s lecture was the philosophy of Daoism, a Chinese religious tradition that emphasizes harmony. Daoism is both a religion and a philosophy, Littlejohn said.

"[Daoism] is not a mysticism,” he said. "It's not a system of our happiness or our health or well being as human beings… It's somehow anchored firmly in spirituality. It is perhaps the only philosophical tradition that begins by telling us that our bodies [are] made of a kind of energy."

This energy, or “qi,” he said, must remain in harmony for one to be content. Daoists believe that an imbalance in qi leads to illness.

He instructed students on how to make a transcendent life through Daoism. Daoyin, a form of Tai Chi, is used along with dietetics and seated mediation to encourage qi flow which ultimately leads to a happier life. He said this is something that is forgotten when dealing with one's health and happiness.

Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnoses illnesses as an imbalance of qi, according to Littlejohn. Treatments can include food therapy, herbology, physical training and acupuncture.

"Our body is made of qi,” Littlejohn said. “We are qi. We are energy."

Following the lecture, Littlejohn engaged students in open discussion about the fundamentals of the Daoist tradition.

"I have a lot of opinions on [Daoism]," said Philip Sugg, a junior history major. “Littlejohn did a very good job, I thought. He did it in a very respectful manner and not in a manner saying 'this is the only way' but saying 'this is the Daoist way,’ and I appreciated that."